Tag: building information

The true value of BIM in NOT in 3D modeling, clash detection, or providing architects and AEC firms a with a better way to “sell” new projects/buildings.

The value of BIM is in INFORMATION and the associated aspects of collaboration and life-cycle building management / total cost of ownership.

BIM is NOT technology alone, but a business process that is embedded within and support by technology. Autodesk, Bentley, Archicad, et al can not and do not supply BIM. They supply basic components of BIM, the 3D visualization engine and an associated database architecture … (both hopefully based upon open standards or they will be of little value). While all three would argue the point, facts are facts. There is too much domain knowledge required for life-cycle management for a single technology vendor to cover “all the bases”.

In the interim, both JOC (job order contracting) and IPD (integrated project delivery) deliver today relative to exponentially more efficient and transparent construction project delivery methods and processes. Both are superior to design-bid-build, design-build, etc. etc.

Both JOC and IPD demand collaboration and both are performance based. JOC drives the project from concept/scoping through bidding, construction, warranty, and close-out.

IPD currently focuses upon collaboration from project conception through start-up, however, can be easily extended.

The limited view of IPD. The contractual IPD based upon various standardized IPD contracts ( IFoA – integrated form of agreement, etc). While the more important view of IPD is extension of the collaborative processes throughout the project and associated use of technology.

JOC already provides IPD and associated technology for renovation, repair, maintenance, and sustainability projects. It is a proven process, developed by the U.S. military years ago, however, currently, vastly improved through the use of technology such as that provided by e4Clicks (www.e4Clicks.com) and associated reference cost information (RSMeans) or other price “guides”.

JOC ( also known as SABER in the Air Force ) is available today for renovation, repair, and sustainability projects and is proven to improve collaboration and quality as well as reduce costs. Paperwork costs, which average 2-3% of total project costs are mitigated using JOC cost estimating and project management software (such as e4Clicks Project Estimator), while project timelines can be reduced dramatically, providing exponential value.

While the importance of BIM can not be overlooked as it will hopefully reshape the AEC industry, BIM is currently limited to 3D CAD and modest functionality, requiring the integration of third party software for CAFM, CMMS, CPMS, and JOC to reach it’s potential.